Schleck brothers in top 5 but uncertain about the final stages of the 2011 Tour de France
Both the Schleck brothers are in the top five in overall classification at the end of stage 15. Frank Schleck is at the second position with 1 minute and 49 seconds behind the Team Europar’s Thomas Voeckler. Andy Schleck, runner-up of last two years' Tour
de France, is at fourth spot behind Cadel Evans. Former Champion, Alberto Contador, is at the number seven slot.
Both Andy and Frank have high chances to win this year’s Tour de France as Andy said during a news conference, “We know that we both cannot win the Tour, at least not in the same year. I only see one of us being on the podium, but in the yellow jersey.”
Andy has defeated Contador, Cadel Evans and Ivan Basso by attacking the stage where his brother failed. Andy then stopped and looked behind for Frank, hurting his chances. As he was commenting on the tactics, Andy mentioned that we do talk about strategies
and the scenarios during the race, but there are times when it has to be decided according to the situation on the day as it happens.
“Andy and I understand each other very well, if it turns out that one day we have to sacrifice for the other, we will do it, we’re not going to fight against each other.” said Frank, who is having an outstanding season as he won the Criterium International
and also was the runner-up in the Liege-Bastogne-Liege classic. Frank admitted that he struggled in the final two kilometres of Plateau de Beille.
While sharing his thoughts about winning the Tour de France Andy said that we would like to have one of us as the title holder. With only two decisive mountain stages left, Schleck brothers have to make a decision quickly and start building up their strategies
accordingly. Chances are very much open for the former champion, Alberto Contador, who can jump in the game any time and is a strong contender for the title, after Mike Cavendish.
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